Countering Violent Extremism in Southern Punjab Poverty Alleviation through Sustainable Economic Growth

Abstract

During the last two decades, there has been an alarming increase in intolerance and radicalization in the country. Both State institutions and countrymen are vulnerable to its impacts. Regarding violent extremism, it is thought that South Punjab is majorly responsible for recruiting militants into violent extremist organizations. Countries like Pakistan, where the poverty rate is high and young men do not find means of livelihood and are forced to join militant groups. In Southern Punjab districts, 39% of inhabitants are below the poverty line. For addressing this, the government took initiatives for poverty alleviation, Southern Punjab Poverty Alleviation Programme (SPPAP). The project aimed to reduce poverty and assimilate poor people into the circle of collective development. The article also discusses the steps taken by numerous developed states highlights and the challenges faced by Pakistan. The study adopted a qualitative approach (i.e. using the existing body of literature-books, newspapers, and journal articles to draw conclusion). Findings reveal that in order to resolve the problem of poverty as well as extremism, the government needs to address the issues related to gender differences, unskilled labor, climate change, and infrastructure.